blood sports

Definition
  1. Noun (plural):
    • Sports involving the killing of animals: "blood sports" refers to sports or activities that involve the hunting, killing, or wounding of animals for entertainment or competition. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying cruelty or violence against animals.
Usage Examples
  • (Activities where animals are killed for sport.)
  • (Legislation prohibiting hunting or killing animals for amusement.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to engage in blood sports": to participate in such activities.

    • He was criticized for engaging in blood sports like game hunting. (Participating in hunting or killing animals for sport.)

  • "to be opposed to blood sports": to be against such practices.

    • The organization is strongly opposed to blood sports. (They campaign against animal cruelty in sports.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Blood sport (n, singular): one specific instance or type of such a sport.

    • Bullfighting is a controversial blood sport. (A single activity involving animal killing.)

  • Bloodthirsty (adj): eager to kill or enjoy violence (often used metaphorically).

    • The film depicts a bloodthirsty hunter. (A person who enjoys killing.)
Synonyms
  • Coursing: the sport of hunting with dogs, especially hares.
  • Venery: archaic term for hunting or the pursuit of game.
Phrasal Verbs
  • (No common phrasal verbs directly associated with "blood sports.")
Related Idioms
  • To have blood on one's hands: to be responsible for killing or death.
    • Those who organize blood sports have blood on their hands. (They are morally responsible for animal deaths.)